Hormones and Hormonal Disorders

The endocrine system secretes chemicals into blood called hormones. Any imbalance in the hormone secretion leads to several diseases and disorders. Hence, hormones are secreted as per the requirement of our body. Hormone secretion takes place in animals as well as in plants and each hormone plays a specific role.

Let us have a look at a few hormonal disorders and the endocrine glands associated with it.

Also Read: Endocrine glands and Hormones

Hormonal Disorders

Hormones are very particular in their actions. They act only on their specific target site. Too much or too little of a certain hormone results in diseases. This hormonal fluctuation is known as hormonal imbalance or hormonal disorder.

Below mentioned are a few hormonal disorders that result due to the hypersecretion or hyposecretion of certain hormones.

Types of Hormonal Disorders

Adrenal

• Addison’s disease
• Cushing syndrome
• Adrenocortical hyperplasia
• Pheochromocytoma

Parathyroid

• Renal calculi
• Tetany
• Osteoporosis

Pancreas

• Hypoglycemia
• Diabetes Mellitus

Pituitary

• Acromegaly
• Gigantism
• Diabetes Insipidus

Thyroid

• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Goitre
• Myxedema
• Thyrotoxicosis

Also Read: Hormones in Animals

Hormonal Disorders in Females

Hormonal disorders in female include occur throughout their life during menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Due to different glands and cycles, women are more prone to hormonal disorders than men. The disorders due to hormonal imbalances include:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
• Early menopause
• Ovarian cancer
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Hormonal Imbalances in Males

Men experience natural periods of hormonal imbalance during puberty and ageing. This may lead to prostate cancer and hypogonadism.

Causes of Hormonal Disorders

The feedback mechanism of endocrine system helps in balancing the hormones in the bloodstream. If our body is deficient or has an excess of a certain hormone, the feedback mechanism signals the respective gland to rectify the problem. If the feedback system fails to maintain a proper balance of hormones in the bloodstream, it results in hormonal disorders.

Symptoms of Hormonal Disorders

Following are the major symptoms of hormonal disorders:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Puffy face
• Frequent urination
• Depression
• Infertility
• Increased thirst

Also Read: Mechanism of Hormone Action

To know more about the hormonal disorders, its types, causes and symptoms, keep visiting BYJU’S website.